Visiting a dental clinic for the first time can be a scary experience for kids. Fortunately, children can overcome this fear and enjoy dental visits. Regular visits to a professional kids dentist Jacksonville are important and ought to start at an early age. Here are ways parents can help their kids overcome dental anxiety.
Visit Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric dentists often understand kids’ dental needs better than general dentists. A kids’ dentist is likely to understand and support your child emotionally during the dental visit. Also, pediatric dentists often use kid-friendly terminology and dental clinic setup to reduce a child’s fears. They can also use technology and dental tools to help kids get rid of dental fears.
Watch Your Language
Try to avoid using negative words such as pain and hurt when talking about dental visits with your daughter or son. Instead, you can focus on positive words such as healthy and clean. You can use kid-friendly terms to discuss dental issues, tools, and procedures. These terms often set the stage for a positive dental experience during your kid’s next dental visit.
Incorporate Dental Storybooks
Encouraging your child to read storybooks that focus on dental visits can be an excellent way to address dental anxiety. The use of easy-to-understand wording and colorful pictures may quell your son or daughter’s dental fears. Dental storybooks can also help your kid to understand what happens in the dentist’s office.
Teach Your Child
You can teach your kid various relaxation techniques for staying calm during dental visits. Deep breathing exercises can reduce a child’s physical reaction to dental anxiety. Emphasizing the importance of proper dental care can also make a youngster less anxious in a dentist’s office.
Dental anxiety is common in kids, and parents should not be ashamed of it. Being a creative and proactive parent can make dental visits less stressful. It’s wise to start oral care early and emphasize regular dental visits.